Virginia Commonwealth University announced this morning that it will cancel all classes on April 8th so that students can watch their scheduled solar eclipse.

In the interest of science, the VCU administration has declared it has scheduled a solar eclipse and invite everyone to watch it for their viewing pleasure.

“We really want Richmonders, and Virginians in general, to embrace our advances in physics and engineering and feel like they are part of the celebration also”, said a VCU public relations spokesperson, “Think about it- we are creating the observation of starlight in the daytime. We are displaying direct evidence of how the sun and moon are arranged.”

The VCU Physics Department is hosting a viewing party from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 8 at the VCU Quad (aka Monroe Park). The eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m., but the best time to catch a glimpse is at 3:19 p.m., when 86% of the sun will be blocked.

Not all Virginia parents are enthused about the endeavor, noting that some area school systems are also being forced to change their schedule. Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond are dismissing students early or later. “Families and employees should make arrangements for this change, which is being made out of an abundance of caution in connection to the April 8 solar eclipse and our traditional release times.”

Some citizens are asking their state representatives to step in and try to force VCU to change the timing of the eclipse.

In other eclipse-related news, the City Department of Utilities has announced a small, additional surcharge in next month’s utility billing because of the eclipse. It will most likely be part of of the PILOT in the billing.